The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary: "Republicans Freak Out Over Major Election Loss"

Release Date: April 2, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the significant defeat of MAGA Republicans in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race. The episode provides an in-depth analysis of the election's implications for the Republican Party, the influence of high-profile figures like Elon Musk, and the broader impact on American democracy.

Election Outcome

The episode opens with the hosts announcing the decisive victory of Democratic-aligned pro-democracy candidate, Judge Susan Crawford, over the MAGA-backed candidate, Brad Schimmel. This win grants Democrats control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, a pivotal shift that could curb attempts at gerrymandering and potentially reduce Republican seats in Congress.

• Host/Commentator (00:00): "Judge Susan Crawford... went on to win that critical race in the vacant Supreme Court seat, tipping the scales of the Supreme Court so that the Democrats will have control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court."

MAGA Republicans' Response

In response to their defeat, MAGA Republicans have been scrambling to attribute the loss to various factors, notably distancing themselves from Elon Musk and his financial contributions. The former governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker, appears on CNN attempting to shift blame away from Musk by mentioning other billionaires like George Soros, J.D. Pritzker, and Reid Hoffman.

• Scott Walker (03:40): "I don't think they spent on this. They didn't."

• Political Analyst (02:33): "It's a little Saul Linsky ish in the sense that you've got George Soros and J.D. Pritzker and Reid Hoffman... pointing and say, well wait a minute, he spent."

Despite these efforts, the hosts and guests highlight that Elon Musk's financial involvement far surpassed that of other donors, making it a central factor in the election dynamics.

• Host/Commentator (04:25): "Because Republicans are the working class party now, you need to have more people turn out... But you're not the working class. You're the party of the oligarchs."

Role of Elon Musk

Elon Musk's extensive financial support for Brad Schimmel, including million-dollar donations and voter incentives, is scrutinized as a potential attempt to "buy" the Supreme Court seat. The hosts argue that Musk's influence represented an unprecedented level of oligarchic intervention in democratic processes.

• Host/Commentator (14:17): "Elon Musk spent $20 million. He paid people to sign petitions, he paid people to canvas, he did million dollar giveaways..."

• Elon Musk (14:56): "Whichever party controls the House... steers the course of Western civilization."

The podcast emphasizes that Musk's involvement was a clear attempt to sway the election outcome, which ultimately failed, signaling a rejection of oligarchic interference by Wisconsin voters.

Insights from Political Analysts and Guests

The episode features various perspectives critiquing the MAGA Republican strategy and its reliance on high-profile donors. Scott Walker's portrayal of the loss as unrelated to Musk is countered by data indicating the overwhelming financial influence Musk had in the race.

• Host/Commentator (10:28): "George Soros has poured millions... well, why? Because the left wants to drive forward a radical agenda."

• Rachel Maddow (10:51): "George Soros... donated $2 million... compared to $19 million for Elon."

These insights highlight the disproportionate impact of Musk's contributions compared to other donors, undermining the MAGA Republicans' narrative.

Reactions from Susan Crawford

Judge Susan Crawford's victory is celebrated as a triumph for democracy and judicial integrity. She condemns Elon Musk's attempts to influence the judicial system, emphasizing the importance of fair elections and unswayed courts.

• Judge Susan Crawford (07:21): "As a little girl growing up in Chippewa Falls, I never could have imagined that I'd be taking on the richest man in the world for justice in Wisconsin. And we won."

• Judge Susan Crawford (08:06): "Wisconsinites fended off an unprecedented attack on our democracy... Our courts are not for sale."

Her statements reinforce the podcast's theme of defending democratic values against oligarchic challenges.

Commentary from Hakeem Jeffries

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries appears on the podcast, extolling the election results as a rejection of both Donald Trump and Elon Musk. He underscores the weakening Republican brand and its implications for future elections.

• Hakeem Jeffries (12:55): "The voters rejected Donald Trump and they rejected Elon Musk and they rejected the rapidly deteriorating Republican brand."

• Hakeem Jeffries (13:34): "Every single one of those districts, there's now a target on the backs of those House Republicans."

Jeffries' analysis suggests that the Wisconsin loss is part of a larger trend undermining Republican influence.

Elon Musk's Statements and Public Perception

Elon Musk is portrayed as a controversial figure whose attempts to influence elections are met with widespread criticism. His statements on the significance of the Supreme Court race and the fate of humanity reflect a dramatic overreach that the podcast views as detrimental to democratic institutions.

• Elon Musk (14:56): "This election will determine the fate of humanity in Wisconsin."

• Elon Musk (15:44): "Humanity is dying."

The podcast critiques these statements, framing them as evidence of Musk's inappropriate involvement in political processes.

Conclusion and Implications

The MeidasTouch Podcast concludes that the Wisconsin Supreme Court election serves as a crucial indicator of the current political climate. The defeat of MAGA Republicans, despite substantial funding, signifies a rejection of oligarchic influence and a reaffirmation of democratic principles. The hosts express optimism that this trend will continue to erode the Republican Party's standing, as evidenced by narrow races in traditionally safe districts.

• Host/Commentator (17:16): "The tide is turning. Hit subscribe. Let's get to 5 million subscribers."

The episode underscores the importance of protecting democratic institutions from financial manipulation and celebrates the resilience of voters in upholding fair governance.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a critical examination of the intersection between money and politics, highlighting the significant implications of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. By incorporating firsthand reactions, expert analysis, and direct quotes, the podcast provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing American democracy and the ongoing battle against oligarchic influence.